January 2018
Judy
Beach
,
BSN, RN
ED
Bridgeport Hospital
Bridgeport
,
CT
United States

 

 

 

A 13-year-old patient was brought in by his mother with difficulty breathing and asthma exacerbation. The mother and patient were showing signs of an emotional distress of the repeated visit to the Emergency Department. Mother stated to Judy and the provider of their living conditions at home which lead to his repeat visits to the Emergency Department. Mom stated that the family lived in city housing with multiple leaking pipes with areas of severe water damage ultimately leading to mold growth and infestation of roaches. Photos were provided to Judy and the provider as Mom discussed her distress with her repeated interactions with city officials and their lack of response to the matter. The patient showed fear of going home stating every time he goes home he gets sick. While inspectors were coming to the house and remarking how terrible the living conditions were the city refused to change the living conditions for this family. Judy took it upon herself to call the Mayor's Office and advocate for this family and their living conditions. Judy spoke to city officials about the condition of the child and the home in which he lived. Judy stated that the medical conditions of the child were a direct outcome of the lack of support from the city housing department which were contributing to ongoing illness. The Mayor's office responded to Judy's plea about these conditions and issues and the city rectified the problem with a new home that very same day. Judy always goes above and beyond as an advocate for her patients and their family and in this specific case she showed initiative to become a voice for this family, which lead to a new clean apartment for them to go home to.